If Faith is a Gift From God, Why Might it be Weak or Slow to Obtain? 

If Faith is a Gift From God, Why Might it be Weak or Slow to Obtain?

Firstly, it is essential to know what we mean by God’s gift of faith. Normally when we say this, we mean that Jesus dying for us was a gift, for now, we can live forever with him(John 3:16) if we believe and follow him. Notice the two requisites mentioned here: faith, and following him. To accept Jesus’ gift or sacrifice, we must have faith that he did so: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). 

Now we must also be doers, “For if any be a hearer of the word(the word is Jesus), and not a doer(follower of Jesus' commandments[John 14:15-24]), he is like unto a man beholding(seeing) his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth(sees) himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was(forgets who or what he saw). But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty(God's law), and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed," (James 1:23-25 KJV). 

To accept Jesus’ gift, we must follow him and have faith he did as he said. If either of these two elements are too low, it creates weak faith. This is not a result of God, but a result of ourselves for not truly following him. 

A feeling of weak faith can also be when one is under trial(James 1:2-14); God can test our faiths, not for himself, but for ourselves, showing we need to improve our faith, mature, and rely on God.

It is also important to remember that God works on a different schedule than we do. God is all-knowing or Omniscient(Job 37:16), so we must trust in him and know that whatever his plan is, it is good(Exodus 34:6) and perfect so doubting him becomes unusual. God has always worked rather slowly, but the outcome surpasses expectations.